In short: Potential of a good race, but weather made it tougher than it should have beenIn full: Tough first half with some challenging hills, and very hot conditions. 2nd half was reasonably flat, but a strong headwind for the whole 13 miles meant I was a full seven minutes slower, and looking at the results, so were the vast majority of the other finishers. Atmosphere for start and finish was excellent, but eerily quiet for the rest. Water stations were first class and very well placed/Date of review: June 4, 2010

In short: A bit too flat, but very well organised.In full: My first matathon.... found the first half of the race to be nicely undulating on traffic free roads, but the tow path was too flat. Very well organised the only reason I wouldn't do it again is due to the travelling/cost from Oldham.Date of review: June 1, 2009

In short: A marathon that was organised with runners in mind!In full: The race organiser is a runner and this is reflected in everything about the Newry City Marathon.

Really friendly event, and everyone from the race director to fellow runners were approachable and had time to chat. The low key and laid-back feel allowed me to relax and enjoy the day.

The race route is an out and back loop with an undulating profile up to 12 miles, and pretty much flat on the canal path thereafter. Decent sized field for the marathon meant you almost always had a runner in sight (although I had to run the final 5 miles alone). Course had good variety of scenery, and the twists and turns kept the runners interested. The coned off and well supported home-straight made for a memorable finish. Medal and refreshments at the end (and a good quality t-shirt presented at registration).

The race route was almost traffic free, was well policed and marshaled. Drinks stationed were well stocked with mini-sized water bottles (perfect for a warmish day and less wastage) and bottles of lucozade sport at a couple on the homewade half.

Support was sporadic but really vocal when needed - very much appreciated.

A super marathon that deserves to flourish, and I will be back next year.

Thanks to all involved in the organisation. Date of review: May 28, 2009

In short: Beautiful course, almost traffic free, superb organisationIn full: I was not looking forward to the towpath section but that turned out to be a wide tarmac road with a good running surface and it was a joy to run on. Undulating section in first half then flat all the way to the finish. It was great to run back into Newry with the roads safely coned off, police and marshalls stopping any traffic for safe and efficient crossing. Race venue was lovely, no toilet queues! Great medal and t-shirt too. I'll be back.Date of review: May 27, 2009

In short: Excellent route, excellent organisation, great funIn full: The inaugural Newry marathon was a credit to all those involved in its conception, planning and organisation.

The course is a reasonably challenging first 13 miles over gentle hills through the picturesque Co. Armagh countryside followed by a flat last 13 along the Newry canal towpath.

The entire route was cleared of all traffic, mile markers at every mile, plenty of water stations, motorcycle outriders spanning the entire field, support at all villages and crossings and an enthusiastic finish.

Newry marathon is sure to go from strength to strength. Make sure you don't miss 2009! Date of review: July 7, 2008

In short: For enjoymet value... this beat NYC..... for organisation... what can I say.. if you missed the inaugral Newry marathon you just missed as close to perfect a race you can imagineDate of review: May 29, 2008

In short: Great day, great scenery, friendly people and well organised.In full: For an inaugrual event, this was well organised and very friendly. It will draw an even bigger crowd next year. No hassles whatsoever.Date of review: May 28, 2008